Quitting Smoking Boosts Survival Odds After Cancer Diagnosis

Smokers diagnosed with lung cancer could double their chances of surviving for 5 years—if they quit smoking. The "dramatic" finding, based on analysis of 10 previous studies, applies only to early-stage cancer. "If you give up smoking, your body can still partially recover and your risk is reduced," the lead researcher tells the AP.

Before now, little evidence suggested quitting after developing cancer affected survival rates. The 5-year survival rate for lung cancer patients diagnosed who continued smoking was 33% at best. But those who kicked the habit had as much as a 70% chance of being alive 5 years out. The research was published today in the BMJ, formerly known as the British Medical Journal. (More cancer stories.)